For the fourth consecutive time and the fifth time in total (1998, 2004, 2006, 2008) Norway has become European Champion in women’s handball. The Norwegians beat Sweden in the final in Herning, Denmark, 25:20 (10:11). Romania ranked third after winning the bronze final 16:15 against host Denmark. All three medallists are directly qualified for the World Championship 2011 in Brazil. Norway is also the second team after host Great Britain to qualify for the Olympics 2012 in London – and they are qualified for the next European Championship 2012 in the Netherlands. “We have won the big jackpot as now we can plan without the pressure of qualifications until the end of 2012,” coach Thorir Hergeirsson said.
The final was close until the 40th minute, as Sweden then lost their power and concentration, and Norway was able to beat them by their counter attacks. In the semis Norway had clearly beaten Denmark 29:19, whereas the surprise team of Sweden had won 25:23. France took the fifth rank, as they won the placement match against Montenegro 23:19. Sweden reached the semi-final and the final of a EURO for the first time in history.
For Norwegian women’s handball it was the third title in 2010 after becoming Beach Handball and Junior World Champion.
 
Final Ranking:
Gold: Norway, Silver: Sweden, Bronze: Romania, 4. Denmark, 5. France, 6. Montenegro, 7. Russia, 8. Netherlands, 9. Croatia, 10. Hungary, 11. Spain, 12. Ukraine, 13. Germany, 14. Serbia, 15. Iceland, 16. Slovenia

All-Star Team:
Goalkeeper: Katrine Lunde-Haraldsen (Norway), Right wing: Maibritt Kviesgaard (Denmark), Right back: Nerea Pena (Spain), Centre back: Gro Hammerseng (Norway), Left back: Kristina Neagu (Romania), Left wing: Mie Augustesen (Denmark), Pivot: Heidi Löke (Norway), Most valuable player: Linea Torstenson (Sweden), Best defence player: Johanna Wiberg (Sweden)

The draw for the European qualification for the World Championship 2011 in Brazil was also carried out in Herning. Those are the matches which will be played on 4/5 and 11/12 June 2011:
Czech Republic – Montenegro, Netherlands – Turkey, Spain – FYRO Macedonia, Croatia – Serbia, Iceland – Ukraine, Germany – Hungary, Poland – Denmark
World Champion Russia is directly qualified for the 2011 Women’s World Championship.